Lima (Monday, February 1, 2010) – A safety improvement project on Ohio 309 from Eastown Road to Robb Avenue scheduled to begin this spring has been delayed until next year said Leonard Brown, Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 deputy director.

The project is being delayed to allow for a design modification which will incorporate curb ramps along Ohio 309 at intersecting roadways and driveways. The ramps will allow pedestrians and people in wheelchairs to navigate behind the curbs of Ohio 309 without being impeded.

ODOT recently conducted a statewide review of curbing at intersections to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result of the internal review, the decision to redesign the Ohio 309 project was made.

“Originally the project included curb ramps at only the signalized intersections where crossing of Ohio 309 will be permitted,” said Brown. “But following the review it was determined that the curbing at the side streets and driveways should also be modified for better pedestrian and wheelchair access,” he said. The main elements of the project, which will now be constructed in 2011, will widen the corridor in some areas; eliminate, relocate or consolidate driveways to reduce conflict points; construct a six-inch median curb down the center of the roadway to control turn movements; install new traffic signals or upgrade existing signals at select locations; and extend American Avenue to connect with an extension of Arthur Avenue. The improvements are being implemented to increase the safety of the roadway in this area which has been identified as a safety and congestion location on the state’s Highway Safety Program listing. The corridor is prone to a high number of angle and rear-end accidents, especially at high-volume driveways.

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For more information contact: Rhonda Pees, Public Information Officer, at (419) 999-6803 or email D01.PIO@dot.state.oh.us